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First Impressions

My first impression of Norwegian Prima was that it was elegantly designed, more so than the older Norwegian ships I have sailed on. The atrium, shopping areas, Ocean Boulevard, stateroom hallways, and elevator lobbies all stood out. Our balcony cabin was just as lovely.

I had read rave reviews, so I was looking forward to experiencing the ship for myself. While there were things I really enjoyed, I came away preferring the older NCL ships I have sailed on. The biggest reason was the food: limited variety, a crowded buffet, and dining venues that closed much earlier than I would have liked.

We sailed from Port Canaveral, visiting Great Stirrup Cay, Falmouth in Jamaica, George Town in Grand Cayman, and Cozumel in Mexico, with two sea days before returning to Port Canaveral.

Our Cabin Was a Standout

Our Balcony B4 cabin was gorgeously decorated, spacious, and very comfortable. It accommodated all three of us well, and we all slept great.

The bathroom was more spacious than those on other ships I have sailed on. I loved the shower’s water pressure, and we consistently had hot water.

The comfy balcony chairs deserve a mention, too. The cabin and balcony were among my favorite things about this cruise.

Getting Around and Finding a Seat

It was fairly easy to find our way around, although some of the signage was confusing. I saw signs for The Local where it was not actually situated, and other signs directed us through venues to get somewhere else.

We had no issues with the elevators. Sometimes we skipped one and waited for another with enough room for all three of us, but it never took too long to reach our deck.

There was ample seating on the top decks and in the public spaces on decks 6, 7, and 8, so finding somewhere to sit in those areas was easy. The public bathrooms were fairly clean, too. No issues there.

The Observation Lounge Was Disappointing

The observation lounge was smaller than I expected, with very limited seating compared with other NCL ships I have sailed on, like Norwegian Joy.

I also found that the USB ports and electrical outlets there did not work. Snacks were offered, but then removed quickly, which made no sense to me. Between the seating, the outlets, and the brief availability of snacks, the lounge was a disappointment.

Dining: Where I Ate and What I Enjoyed

Why I avoided the buffet

I noticed the crowds most in the buffet between about 8:30 a.m. and noon. The space was small, and the food choices were limited and repetitive. Between the crowds and the offerings, I wanted to avoid it and find somewhere else to eat.

I focused instead on The Local Bar & Grill and the main dining rooms. They offered more variety, along with sit down service.

The Local was a clear winner

The Local was my favorite for its familiar comfort foods and availability throughout the day and night, although the late night menu was abbreviated.

My favorites were:

• The spinach and artichoke dip and nachos
• The Wrangler burger
• The Brownie-Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

It was good to have a dependable place to eat, especially when other venues had closed.

The main dining rooms and staff

I enjoyed the variety and sit down service in the main dining rooms, and the dining staff were great.

On one occasion, I mentioned that I was rushing to make a show. Our server expedited my dinner and dessert so I could get there. I really appreciated that.

Room service was worth considering

Room service was another good alternative to the buffet. I found the service prompt, and it was great eating in the comfort of our cabin while still in bed clothes. I also liked that they phoned before coming to the door with our food, so we were not startled by an unexpected knock.

For that convenience, the nominal cost could be well worth it.

I wanted more options later in the evening

During our sailing, I found that most food venues closed by about 9:30 p.m. The Local remained an option, but with a shorter menu late at night.

I would have liked more casual choices throughout the day and night, particularly pizza, bakery items, and sandwiches. The limited options and relatively short operating hours were my biggest frustrations with Prima.

Internet Access

The WiFi was pricey and did not perform particularly well during the day, which was disappointing given the cost. It also occasionally seemed to block my iPhone game apps or prevent them from loading. With no access to my game apps, I found myself playing in the casino more than I should have.

Entertainment

The only shows I attended were the comedy shows, and I enjoyed most of them.

I skipped the last night of comedy because I presumed the comedian would repeat his material. Since I did not attend, I cannot say whether he actually did.

Service Around the Ship

The dining staff were great, but our cabin service got off to a slower start. It was a while before we met our cabin attendant, and it took about three days to receive enough towels for all three of us.

One personal interaction that stayed with me was a conversation with a gift shop staff member. We connected as mothers, and I appreciated that moment.

Who I Think Would Enjoy Prima

I think Prima could appeal to first time cruisers and people who like to do their own thing without feeling they have to dress a certain way.

It may also appeal to people who prefer the feel of small to medium sized ships. That is how I would describe its appeal based on my experience, rather than its actual size.

Anyone who values a beautifully decorated, comfortable cabin may appreciate it as much as we did.

If having plenty of casual dining choices throughout the day and night matters to you, though, I would look closely at the options and hours before booking. That was where Prima fell short for me.

My Practical Tips

• Try The Local, a main dining room, or room service instead of the buffet. I found more variety and convenience in these menus and dining options, especially when I wanted to avoid the buffet crowds.
• If you use the buffet, keep going towards the back to Surfside Grill. I found the same main food items there, but without the crowds and with available seating.
• Check dining hours each day. If you like eating later, see what will still be open and whether the full menu will be available.
• Bring snacks you enjoy, within the cruise line’s food rules. I would have appreciated having tasty snacks on hand after the food venues closed.
• Consider a later embarkation time if you want to avoid checking your luggage and board when the rooms will likely be ready. I preferred keeping our bags with us so we would not have to wait for them to be delivered or worry about them getting lost. Boarding later also meant less time lugging them around.
• Ask about onboard luggage storage if you board early. I noticed an onboard luggage check option that looked useful for anyone waiting for their cabin. I never checked my luggage, so I cannot speak to how the service worked.

Would I Sail on Norwegian Prima Again?

I would avoid booking Prima again. As much as I loved the cabin, the comfy balcony chairs, and the elegant design, the limited food choices and dining hours were frustrating.

The Local, room service, and the main dining rooms gave me alternatives to the buffet, but I still wanted more flexibility. For the way I like to cruise, I would choose one of the other Norwegian ships I have enjoyed more.